Our herpetology collection is one of the largest collections of amphibians and reptiles in the US with specimens from more than 140 countries. These collections represent the cumulative work of many faculty, staff, and students from the Florida Museum of Natural History and the University of Florida. This includes luminaries such as Archie Carr and Walter Auffenberg, former museum directors Arnold Grobman and Wayne King, and many former students, including George Zug, Chuck Myers, John Iverson, Peter Meylan, and Kenney Krysko. These collections are used in research around the world through visits by and loans to scientists and students. Recent digitization projects like oVert have further opened the use of these collections to researchers and educators across the globe.
Alongside research and higher education, our collection supports outreach activities and online resources that are crafted to be accessible to non-scientific audiences, allowing us to showcase the importance of museum collections, discuss the value of lifelong curiosity, and introduce people to reptiles and amphibians. Our Florida Snake ID Guide remains among the most accessed websites at the Florida Museum, and we frequently answer questions from interested Floridians about the species they find in their yards, homes, and natural areas.
Supporting the herpetology collection ensures the continued stewardship of our substantial scientific collection and strengthens our ability to explore the diversity of amphibians and reptiles in Florida and around the world. Our specimens have been used in publications for diverse research topics including the ecology, evolution, physiology, biogeography, and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.
Our Arnold Grobman Endowment honors our former director (1952–1959) and supports research, collection activities, and teaching that promote and enhance the study of herpetology at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Consider making a gift towards this endowment fund today!
Make a GiftOther fund
- Herpetology Fund – Support the herpetology collection and related programs at the Florida Museum of Natural History.
